31 Oktober 2014

BRP Benguet LT-507 (photo : Timawa)BRP Benguet one of world’s oldest commissioned ship to undergo repair, drydockingOne of the world’s oldest navy ship commissioned, now serving the Philippine Navy, BRP Benguet will undergo repair and dry-docking. The Armed Forces of the Philippines will apply the sum of PhP40 million for the said project.BRP Benguet (LT-507) is a tank landing ship designed for US Navy during the World War 2 era. It was first commissioned way back May 1944. The World War 2 vessel USS Daviess County was transferred to Philippine Navy last September 1976. It then was named BRP Benguet.Benguet is being used by PN to transport soldiers, military cargo and help carry out relief operations. It is also being used to transport civilians when requested.Philippine Navy is currently waiting for the delivery of two brand-new Makassar-class Landing Platform Dock from Indonesia. When delivered, these LPDs can act as PN’s floating command center while carrying out its main purpose as military sealift and transport vessel.Two Makassar are expected to be supplied in 2016 and 2017.These sealift vessels will be carrying landing craft utility/mechanized, including the upcoming Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) and attack helicopters.(AngMalaya)

30 Oktober 2014

Ocea 24m FPB 72 patrol boat (photo : Mer et Merine)The Philippines Coast Guard will receive a new 82 m offshore patrol vessel (OPV) by around 2016, shipbuilder OCEA told IHS Jane's at the Euronaval exhibition in Paris.A EUR90 million (USD113 million) contract for five vessels from France was announced by Philippine coastguard chief Rear Admiral Luis Tuason in 2012.At Euronaval in 2012, OCEA confirmed that four OCEA 24 m FPB 72 patrol boats similar to units delivered to Nigeria and Surinam would partly fulfil this requirement, although whether the final vessel would be a larger OPV was still to be finalised at that time.The larger unit is now confirmed to be based on the company's new OPV 270, with the baseline design featuring an aluminium hull with twin diesel propulsion for speeds of more than 25 kt.(Jane's)

28 Oktober 2014

A moored aerostat on the ground (photo : Mindef)SINGAPORE - A giant helium-filled balloon will float above Singapore from early next year to watch over the Republic's skies and shores day and night.Known as an aerostat, the balloon will be tethered to the ground and house a surveillance radar that can spot hostile aerial and sea threats from as far as 200km away. These include straying civilian light aircraft, small boats and even mobile missile launchers.Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said on Tuesday that the 55m-long blimp will be deployed from inside a military camp, adding that the balloon will "improve our surveillance capabilities significantly". He however did not disclose the camp's location.Dr Ng said that the aerostat will complement Singapore's existing early warning and information-gathering systems that are facing increasing constraints, due mainly to the construction of taller buildings that prevent them "from establishing a clear line of sight".

"In order to see far, you have to be very high with no buildings to block you...Our ground-based radar systems can only operate above high-rise buildings," said Dr Ng at his ministry's PRoductivity and Innovation in Daily Efforts (PRIDE) Day awards ceremony held at Nanyang Polytechnic ."Airborne radars can go around the clock, but that is costly and manpower intensive."It will be cheaper to launch and operate the aerostat. Dr Ng said the balloon will save about $29 million in operating costs.Operated by the Republic of Singapore Air Force, the aerostat can hover at a height of 2000ft, or a 200-storey building, and transmit detailed data to the ground immediately. The information will also be shared with other security agencies such as the Police Coast Guard.Aerostats have been used by law enforcement agencies around in the world since the 1980s. They include the US Customs and Border Protection Agency which uses aerostats to scan the skies for suspicious aircraft activity.(StraitsTimes)

27 Oktober 2014

PAF OV-10 (photo : Rogier Westerhuis)Thirty million pesos is allocated to upgrade one unit of Philippine Air Force’s OV-10 Bronco attack plane. The upgrade and maintenance of OV-10 Bronco with tail number 636 is part of PAF’s efforts to enhance its combat preparedness.Deadline for the submission of bid and the opening of bids is set on November 11 at PAF Procurement Center Conference Room in Villamor Airbase.OV-10 Bronco is a turboprop light attack and support aircraft introduced during 1960s. It was specially develop for counter-insurgency missions.PAF’s OV-10 Broncos have already reached their maximum years of service, for this reason the Department of National Defense is on the process of procuring replacements via its Close Air Support Aircraft Acquisition Project.After several reschedules, deadline of bid submission and the opening of bids is set on November 5 at Camp Aguinaldo.With DND’s acquisition project under AFP Modernization Act, six close air support aircraft worth approximately PhP4.9 billion will be procured for PAF.(Ang Malaya)

20 Oktober 2014

Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (photo : Cheng Li)Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter upgradeMinister for Defence Senator David Johnston today announced he has given Combined Pass approval for an interim Tactical Data Link for the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters in service with the Australian Army.Under LAND 2089 Phase 3B, a total of 21 Tiger helicopters will be upgraded with a tactical information exchange solution that further integrates the Tiger into the combined arms land force battlespace.“The interim Tactical Data Link will improve the Tiger’s situational awareness in the battlespace by improving the helicopter’s ability to receive in flight tactical positioning of friendly and known enemy forces,” Senator Johnston said.“Through this data link the Tigers will be able to share targeting information, coordinate battlefield movements and tactical objectives, and transmit real-time reconnaissance information between the aircraft and the land forces.”Senator Johnston said the project will also inform potential future upgrades for the Tiger that will deliver a fully integrated tactical data link solution after 2020, building on the existing lessons provided by this interim configuration.The acquisition is valued at less than $20 million and will include the associated training and support to fully enable a Tactical Data Link capability.Industry opportunities for this project in acquisition will be predominantly managed by Elbit Systems Australia, as the software and battle management system developer, and Airbus Group Australia Pacific, who will conduct the aircraft technical modification works.Through life support to the project will be managed under existing contract arrangements relating to the particular components of the tactical data link capability.Senator Johnston said the upgrade was an important step in the continued enhancement and modernisation of the ADF as a well rounded, integrated, and capable modern fighting force.(Aus DoD)

The first MH-60R for RAN arrived in Australia (photo : Aus DoD)Tempest fails to stop Romeo's entrance in AustraliaTorrential rain and gale force winds failed to stop the delivery of the Royal Australian Navy's first MH-60R Seahawk 'Romeo' naval combat helicopter to HMAS Albatross, Nowra on 14 October.The next-generation maritime combat helicopter was transported by Royal Australian Air Force C-17 heavy lift aircraft from the US Navy Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida, where Royal Australian Navy aircrew have been building their operational experience alongside United States Navy Romeo squadrons.Commander Fleet Air Arm, Commodore Vince Di Pietro, who had tracked the progress of the Romeo since being party to discussions held about their purchase while on posting to Washington in 2006, was first on board the C-17 to inspect the new arrival."It is absolutely fantastic to welcome the newest member of the Fleet Air Arm to its new home," Commodore Di Pietro said.The Romeos will fly as part of 725 Squadron and will provide ongoing anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine capability to the fleet. Carrying both Mk54 torpedos and Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, it will be able to operate from Navy's Anzac Class frigates and the new Hobart Class air warfare destroyers.Meanwhile the Nowra community can look forward to seeing them in the skies when the helicopter commences air trials next month.A total of 24 Romeo variants are scheduled for delivery to the fleet in the future.(RAN)

18 Oktober 2014

This image of the first C-295M transport aircraft of the Vietnamese Air Force during flight test in Spain (photo : Guillermo Granger)The first transport aircraft Airbus DS (Airline Group of the European Airbus) CASA C295M built for the Vietnamese Air Force, made the first flight test on Friday 17/10 .In one image the photographer Guillermo Granger posted on photo sharing sites world-famous aircraft Jetphotos.net shows, the transport body's first C-295M Air Force Vietnam with camouflage paint colors and lines "No military in Vietnam" in the upper body and test number 123 in the rear, made the first test flight at the airport Sevilla San Pablo plant, Spain.Also in the image is the photographer Granger shared the first C-295M built for the Air Force Vietnam had barely even coating red flag with yellow star on the tail.Earlier, sang, told Flight Global magazine earlier this past June, the company director Antonio Rodríguez Barberan DS Airbus said that, at that time, aircraft manufacturing facility of the company in San Pablo (West Spanish), is undergoing final assembly for 3 transport aircraft C-295 (one for Ecuador, one for Egypt and the rest of the Vietnam Air Force). There is also a CN-235 is also being made to force the US coast guard.He officially revealed rangViet Barberan South is one of many new customers have ordered 3 transport aircraft C-295 from Airbus DS.According to news agency IHS Jane's disclosure, purchase contract 3 aircraft military transport C-295 from Airbus DS was Vietnam signed in 2013 with a total value of about $ 100 million, which includes the provision of spare parts, maintenance and training for the air force. They are expected to be handed over in about 6 months.It is known that the aircraft have been sold to Vietnam with the basic configuration does not include the additional system comes. IHS Jane's said the C-295 aircraft of the Vietnam first being built in Seville, Spain, although the details of this agreement have not been disclosed.(BaoDatViet)

17 Oktober 2014

Patrol vessels of the coastal zone project PS-500 of the Vietnamese Navy (photo : Militaryphotos)Ship PS500 project is already under repair at the factory "Bashon" in Ho Chi Minh CityNorthern Design Bureau modernizing Vietnamese patrol vessel project PS500, built to his own development in the 1990s. Told corr. TASS bureau director general Vladimir Spiridopulo."Through the" Rosoboronexport "we received a contract to repair and upgrade the ship PS500, which is our project in the framework of military-technical cooperation has been built in Vietnam in the 1990s. The ship is already under repair at the factory" Bashon "in Ho Chi Minh City. We acts as the coordinator of the work, integrators, equipment and weapons, which are mainly produced in Russia, and to provide technical support for the project "- said Spiridopulo.He explained that all the systems and weapons will change the ship of the same type, but a more modern version.Displacement PS500 exceeds 600 tons, the ship can reach speeds of 32.5 knots and is equipped with shock complex "Uran-E", artillery caliber 76 mm and 30 mm, as well as portable air defense systems ("Eagle") and machine guns.(VPK)

Four Huey helicopters to undergoes repair (photo : InterAksyon)Four Bell UH-1 Iroquois or Huey helicopters are queued for repairs and maintenance to further enhance Philippine Air Force’s assets. PhP8,838,234.73 is allocated for the said project. PAF is currently in the process of looking for a firm to do the repair and maintenance.PAF is currently operating approximately 20 to 30 Huey helicopters. Aside from four Hueys to undergo repairs, Department of National Defense has acquired 21 refurbished Huey helicopters in which 10 are reportedly delivered. All 21 are expected to be delivered towards the end of the year.Huey helicopters act as Philippine Air Force’s combat utility helicopters. Roles these helicopters can assume include fire support, cargo transport, MEDEVAC, resupply mission and troop transport.Huey helicopters were first used by US Army in combat operation during the Vietnam War. More that 16,000 units have been produced since early 1950s. It was developed by Bell Helicopter for United States Army as medical evacuation and utility helicopter.(AngMalaya)

16 Oktober 2014

Ten 40 meter patrol vessels from Japan will complete the Philippines Coast Guard (photo : JCG) The Philippine Coast Guard celebrates its 113th Anniversary today. President Benigno S. Aquino III led the celebration of PCG at its headquarters in Port Area, Manila.Aquino said on his PCG anniversary speech that delivery of ten 40-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels from Japan will start October of next year. One unit will arrive next year, two more on March 2016, other two on September 2016, three more on April 2017 and the final two on September 2017. Acquisition of ten MRRVs is part of government’s Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project.The President added that delivery may be earlier than these dates.On April next year the National Coast Watch Center will be finished. President Aquino said that this will operate as communication center of different government agencies to effectively monitor Philippine seas.PCG Spokesperson Commander Armando Balilo said in the sidelines of the event that the coast guard is ready to protect West Philippine Sea. “We prepare our ships so in case there will be deployment, we’ll be ready.”“We will complement whatever the National Government will ask us to do,” Commander Balilo added.(AngMalaya)

15 Oktober 2014

Block 1B Phalanx CIWS (photo : Murdoconline)WASHINGTON - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for Close-In Weapon System Block 1B Baseline 2 upgrades and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $76 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on October 10, 2014.The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of up to 3 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) Block 1B Baseline 1 to Baseline 2 upgrade kits: the overhaul and upgrade of up to 9 CIWS Block 1A mounts to Block 1B Baseline 2 systems; 11 Remote Control Stations; 11 Local Control Stations, spare and repair parts; support equipment; test equipment; personnel training and training equipment; publications and technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor logistics and technical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $76 million.This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major ally which has been, and continues to be a staunch coalition partner and important force for political stability throughout the world.The proposed sale will improve Australia’s maritime defense capability to contribute to national defense and future coalition operations. Australia will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its shipboard defense. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this new upgrade into its armed forces.The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Australia.There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.(DSCA)

The Australian Defence Forces recently concluded a highly successful trial of BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS™) laser-guided rocket for use on its Army and Navy helicopters. The ground trial marks the first time the APKWS technology, which transforms a standard unguided 2.75-inch (70-millimeter) rocket into a precision laser-guided weapon, has been demonstrated on a Forges de Zeebrugge (FZ) rocket.“Through its long track record of success with the U.S. military, the APKWS technology has always been used with a Hydra rocket,” said David Harrold, director of precision guidance solutions at BAE Systems. “This demonstration highlights the unique mid-body design and versatility of the APKWS technology by showcasing the ease of deployment on the FZ rocket and its native launcher.”During the ground-based live fire event in August, held at the Woomera Prohibited Area test range in South Australia, the APKWS laser-guided technology was on target with all seven shots fired while integrated with the FZ90 rocket motor and warhead. There was no modification required to the guidance kit to integrate with the FZ rocket. Based on the successful test, the Australian Army intends to conduct a live fire flight trial in November that could lead to the APKWS rocket fielding on the Army’s Airbus Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter and Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk platforms beginning in 2015.Conducted by the Australian Aerospace Operational Support Group, the trial was designed to qualify the APKWS rocket for use by the Australian military to bridge the current capability gap between unguided small-diameter rockets and larger-diameter anti-armor munitions. Unlike other available offerings, the flexibility of the APKWS technology allowed the Australian Defence Force to move from concept to live fire trial in a matter of months while using its current rocket inventory and equipment.“The APKWS laser-guided rocket is an easy-to-use, cost-effective, and flexible system,” said MAJ David Paterson, Rotary Wing Flight Commander of the Australian Army’s Aircraft Stores Compatibility Engineering Squadron. “Delivering this capability to our troops while leveraging existing equipment is a significant accomplishment that will greatly expand and enhance our military helicopters’ mission success.”BAE Systems is the prime contractor for the APKWS rocket, which is available to international customers through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program. Deployed in combat since 2012 by the U.S. Marine Corps, the APKWS rocket is the U.S. Department of Defense’s only fully qualified guided 2.75-inch rocket that uses semi-active laser guidance technology to strike soft and light armored targets. More information on the APKWS rocket can be found at www.baesystems.com/apkws.(BAE Systems)

13 Oktober 2014

HMNZS Resolution (ex USNS Tenacious) was bought from the US and commissioned in February 1997. It was decommissioned in April 2012. (photo : RNZN)The decommissioned survey and littoral warfare support ship HMNZS RESOLUTION has been sold and left Devonport Naval Base on Saturday, 11 October 2014 as GEO RESOLUTION, the latest addition to the fleet of international maritime survey company EGS Group. This photo shows the RESOLUTION departing the base for the last time. RESOLUTION (formerly USNS TENACIOUS) was bought from the US and commissioned in February 1997. It was decommissioned in April 2012.(RNZN Comms)

AgustaWestland is set to deliver eight AW-109 attack helicopters starting January to July 2015 (photo : Johnny Cuppens)MANILA, Philippines — New attack helicopters that can operate in the dark are set to arrive for the Philippine Air Force, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said.The new units will have night vision capability allowing pilots to target hostile subjects even in the dark."We have capable helicopters arriving for the PAF," Catapang said while touring in Sulu on Sunday, according to a state news report.Catapang said that the new helicopters set to arrive this year shows progress in the military's modernization campaign.The Air Force earlier selected eight pilots to man and operate the AgustaWestland AW-109 Power helicopters and sent them to train in Costa di Samarate, Italy.Also undergoing training are 22 maintenance personnel.The Air Force signed the contract for eight AW109 Power light twin helicopters last November. The P3.44-billion contract includes initial logistics support and training for aircrew and maintenance personnel, the Italian firm said."These aircraft will be used to perform a range of duties including homeland security, armed reconnaissance and close support," AugustaWestland said in an earlier statement.The AW109 Power is a three-ton class eight seat twin engine helicopter, dubbed as the most cost effective helicopter in its class for a range of government tasks.(PhilStar)

BAC Cantabria A-15 Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (photo : Spanish Navy)Navantia and DMO of Australia have signed the contract for the RRDS (Risk Reduction Design Study) Australian AOR supply ship, called program SEA1654. The contract signing was held at the naval base at Garden Island and attended Admiral Purcell and Patrick Fitzpatrick, both of DMO, the Commercial Director of Navantia, Gonzalo Mateo-Guerrero, and the Director of Navantia Australia, Francis Baron .The contract, which will take approximately 8 months to analyze the design of the Buque de Aprovisionamiento de Combate/Combat Supply Ship (BAC) "Cantabria", built by Navantia for the Spanish Navy, addressing specific requirements Australians.With this phase of study the process of acquiring two supply ships AOR by the Australian Government starts. Navantia has been shortlisted, along with another company, as a possible supplier of ships.After this phase, the Australian government will begin the final phase by a request for tender for the construction of ships.This event, coupled with the recent acceptance of "Canberra", the first of the two amphibious ships ALHD built by Navantia and BAE Systems, by the Commonwealth of Australia, is another milestone in Navantia and shows the importance of this country as a client strategic for the company.The BAC "Cantabria", delivered by Navantia in 2010, was deployed for several months in Australia, with a mission to integrate and operate with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).(Navantia)

The Malaysian Armed Forces in 2015 will receive RM 17.7 billion increases 10% than RM 16.1 billion in 2014. Operational Expenditure for 2015 is RM 14.1 billion and Development Expenditure is RM 3.61 billion (photo : Bersama Shield)KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced a RM27.6 billion allocation to beef up National security, increase the level of safety and public order when tabling the 2015 Budget in Dewan Rakyat Friday.Najib who is also the Finance Minister said to increase the level of safety and public order as well as national security, RM17.7 billion would be allocated to the Armed Forces, RM9.1 billion to Police and RM804 million to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).In efforts to reduce crime rate in the country, the government will increase the intake of policemen by 11,757 personnel, build 14 police headquarters and police stations including a new block for the Perlis police contingent.To strengthen the presence of police and patrolling, Najib said 1,000 units of motorcycles would be purchased while an allocation of RM121 million is provided for police to implement various programmes under the National Key Result Areas.The Prime Minister said to increase the readiness of the Armed Forces personnel and assets, RM7 billion will be allocated to purchase and maintain defence assets as well as to improve the welfare of armed forces personnel, including health services and housing.To improve maritime safety, the MMEA will be allocated RM393 million to improve the operational efficiency and the purchase of seven new patrol vessels, said Najib.He said RELA, under the Home Ministry will continue to be a voluntary agency to assist the security forces to maintain peace and security of the nation, a sum of RM117 million will be allocated for training and capacity building.(Bernama)

PT DI interested to supply AS565 Panther ASW helicopter for PN (photo : Kaskus Militer)In a pre-bid conference for the procurement of two anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters held Tuesday, October 7, four prospective bidders attended. AugustaWestland, PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Israel Aerospace Industries and the partnership of Bell Helicopter Asia (PTE) Ltd. and Serpenair Group Inc. attended the conference.First stage bidding will be held on October 21. Firms mentioned above are expected to submit their individual bid for the PhP5.4 billion helicopter procurement project.Under Medium Term Development Capability Plan of AFP Modernization program, winning bidder must deliver goods within seven hundred thirty days after receiving the notice to proceed.Early report said that AgustaWestland is a strong contender in the said project and will offer it’s AW-159 “Wildcat”. AgustaWestland is the manufacturer of Philippine Navy and Air Force’s armed AW-109 to be delivered before the year ends.Specification of two ASW choppers includes endurance of at least two hours in ASW configuration, range of 240 nautical miles in full ASW configuration and has Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)/Selective Identification Feature (SIF).(AngMalaya)